The Liddell Battery is gearing up to provide enough power to support about 200,000 homes on the nation’s main electricity grid within months.
Built on the site of one of Australia’s largest retired coal-fired plants, between Muswellbrook and Singleton, the giant energy storage system – unveiled on Friday 20 March – offers a twofold purpose.
It shows how the Hunter can continue its proud role fuelling Australia, while creating the infrastructure needed for a cleaner, more reliable power scheme.
With construction of the 500MW/1000 MWh battery now complete, commissioning is underway with a target to be operational by mid-year.
That will help keep the grid stable and reliable as more renewable energy comes online.
“The launch of the Liddell Battery is a great example of the clean energy transition’s acceleration under the Albanese government,” Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Josh Wilson said.
“Australians are embracing the cheapest, cleanest forms of renewable energy that our country is blessed with.
“And, we are backing that in with these large-scale advanced batteries, which harness the abundance of sunshine and wind to make sure electricity is delivered when and where it is needed.
“The powerhouse Hunter region has not only understood the challenge of one of the most significant economic shifts since the Industrial Revolution.
“It has also grasped the opportunity of the clean energy transition and delivered a real workhorse facility that will provide power security for thousands of homes and businesses across the National Electricity Market (NEM).”
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen echoed that sentiment.
“Liddell helped power NSW for generations,” he said.
“Now, the same site is helping power the next chapter, with one of Australia’s largest batteries backing reliable renewable energy for decades to come.
“Our role is to make sure communities like this are at the centre of the nation’s energy transformation, with more investment, more reliable power and more local jobs.”
The Liddell Battery is backed by $35 million from the Commonwealth through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
The NSW Government then supported the project with a long-term contract for revenue underwriting a Long Term Energy Service Agreement (LTESA) awarded in November 2023.
“This is another example of our strong progress to replace retiring coal with clean energy, all while keeping the lights on and putting downward pressure on prices,” NSW Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe said.
“The Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone is already delivering jobs and economic growth.
“However, this battery adds more support for the region in providing reliable power for 200,000 homes for two hours.”
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley agreed.
“This is what the energy transformation looks like in the Hunter,” she said.
“New industries, new opportunities and local jobs for our communities.”
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